In 2026 > Christian GONZENBACH, Élie BOLARD
The Church of Saint George in Frasne may have existed as early as the 11th century. Located at the crossroads of Pontarlier, Salins, and the Val de Mièges, Frasne benefited from a privileged geographical position, further enhanced by the proximity of bodies of water and extensive forests. The village thus experienced economic and demographic growth, justifying the construction of a church (perhaps already dedicated to Saint George) which was situated on the site of the current cemetery. In poor condition, practically unsanitary, and too small, it was replaced by a new building, the construction of which began in 1829. It was restored in 1831 after the collapse of the nave vault; further restorations were carried out in 1865, 1881, 1905, and finally in 1941 after a fire. Situated on a small rise beside the road linking Pontarlier to Champagnole, the Church of Saint George exhibits architectural features similar to older buildings: a square bell tower-porch preceding a nave and two side aisles, extending into a chancel with a semicircular apse. Several decorative elements attributable to the 18th century (side altars and altarpieces, statues) likely originate from the original church, of which only a few stones and sculptures remain, embedded in a wall adjoining the presbytery. Of particular note is the presence of an anonymous and undated copy of Nicolas Poussin’s (1594-1665) painting, The Israelites Gathering Manna in the Desert, which is unusual in that it was executed in reverse: what is on the right in Poussin’s painting is on the left here, and vice versa, as if the copy had been made from a mirror or an engraving plate!
GPS : 46,739577 / 6,230343